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Brain Cancer And Brain Tumor Information

This website was created to help brain cancer patients and their families and friends with up-to-date information about the disease and what jobs and chemicals exposure may have caused the disease. We have the latest information on brain cancer, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. We have also gathered vital information on coping with the personal and financial effects of this form of cancer, which is difficult to deal with without the proper preparation.

There are two types of brain tumors: primary brain tumors that originate in the brain and metastatic (secondary) brain tumors that originate from cancer cells that have migrated from other parts of the body. Primary brain cancer rarely spreads beyond the central nervous system, and death results from uncontrolled tumor growth within the limited space of the skull. Metastatic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has a poor prognosis.

Primary brain tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Both types take up space in the brain and may cause serious symptoms (e.g., vision or hearing loss) and complications (e.g., stroke). All cancerous brain tumors are life threatening (malignant) because they have an aggressive and invasive nature. A noncancerous primary brain tumor is life threatening when it compromises vital structures (e.g., an artery).

In the United States, the annual incidence of brain cancer generally is 15-20 cases per 100,000 people. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than age 35.

As brain cancer is serious, it is very important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The Treatment Options section describes the different types of treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. In our Financial Aid section, we discuss how patients and their families may be helped with medical bills and financial concerns.

Because brain cancer may be linked to chemicals such as vinyl chloride, PCB or benzene, see our At Risk Jobs and Vinyl Chloride Exposure section to find out if you or a loved one has worked in a job associated with work or environmental poisoning.

To navigate our site, use the links to the left.